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Talcum Powder Lawsuit Attorney in Roanoke

For decades, researchers have known that women face an increased risk of ovarian cancer when they use talcum powder for feminine hygiene. Still, manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson and Colgate-Palmolive have refused to add warning labels about the ovarian cancer risk to their talcum powder products and insist that the products are safe. At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, our talcum powder lawyers are committed to holding these companies accountable.

Our experienced Roanoke defective products attorneys are now reviewing the cases of women who developed ovarian cancer after they used talcum powder products for feminine hygiene. These products include Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products and Colgate-Palmolive’s Cashmere Bouquet. We are also examining cases involving mesothelioma among talcum powder product users. We are ready to pursue all compensation that these victims and their families are due.

Whether at trial or during negotiations, the Roanoke personal injury attorneys of Lichtenstein Law Group PLC know that a meticulously prepared case makes the difference. To discuss how we can help you, call or reach us online today. Our initial consultations are always free and confidential.

What Is the Link Between Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer?

Talc is a silicate mineral. It is mined from the same areas where asbestos is located. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. However, despite the fact that it is found in the earth near asbestos, many manufacturers use talc in powder products. This is because talc absorbs moisture and reduces friction. They market the products for a variety of uses, including feminine hygiene.

Yet, research going back decades indicates that women face a heightened risk of developing ovarian cancer when they use talc-containing products in their genital area. Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health described the risk to be an “elevated” one. A study by the Cancer Prevention Research Center found the ovarian cancer risk to be 33-35 percent higher among women who used talc products for feminine hygiene. Our Roanoke talcum powder class action lawsuit lawyers can help.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

If you are a woman who has used talcum powder products such as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products or Colgate-Palmolive’s Cashmere Bouquet in your genital area, you should pay attention to potential signs of ovarian cancer. The American Cancer Society describes those symptoms as:

  • Bloating
  • Belly or pelvic pain
  • Upset stomach
  • Swollen stomach (with accompanying weight loss)
  • Back pain
  • Changes in appetite
  • Increase in urination
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Constipation
  • Changes in menstruation
  • Fatigue.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 21,000 women receive an ovarian cancer diagnosis each year. Early detection and treatment are crucial.  For a diagnosis, a gynecologic oncologist typically will examine a patient and may order tests such as an ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan and enema and chest X-rays. Treatment may involve surgery and/or various forms of therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation, hormone or targeted therapy. More than 14,000 women die each year from the disease, according to the CDC.

Have Women Filed Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits?

More than 13,000 plaintiffs, including women and surviving family members, have filed lawsuits in state and federal courts against the manufacturers of talcum powder products, according to media reports. These lawsuits allege that the women developed ovarian cancer after they used the powders for feminine hygiene. They claim that the manufacturers of these products failed to warn them of the cancer risk that they faced.

The plaintiffs have won several multi-million-dollar verdicts, including:

  • $110 million (May 2017)
  • $72 million (February 2016)
  • $70 million (October 2016)
  • $55 million (May 2016)
  • $29 million (March 2019).

In July 2018, a St. Louis jury awarded a $4.7 billion verdict to a group of 22 women in what is the largest talcum powder lawsuit verdict to date. The Washington Post reports that the verdict included $550 million in compensatory damages and $4.14 billion in punitive damages. The verdict was upheld in December 2018, according to The New York Times. Our Roanoke talcum powder class action lawsuit lawyers can help.

Do Lawsuits Allege Mesothelioma from Talcum Powder Use?

In recent years, lawsuits alleging the development of mesothelioma from talcum powder use have been on the rise. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the lining. Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for anywhere from 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. In other words, the disease has a long “latency period.Product liability lawyer helping client with this case.

Recently, in June 2019, a jury in California awarded $12 million to a former teacher, mother of two, and grandmother who claimed that she developed mesothelioma after using asbestos-contaminated talcum powder products. The Northern California Record reports that the jury assigned 40 percent of the blame to Colgate-Palmolive, the maker of Cashmere Bouquet, and 30 percent to Johnson & Johnson, the company behind Baby Powder and Shower to Shower products. Avon Products received 20 percent of the blame.

How Can Our Virginia Talcum Powder Lawsuit Attorneys Help You?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products for feminine hygiene, you should consult with an experienced Virginia product liability attorney as soon as possible. The attorney can review your case and advise you of your rights and options.

At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, we can begin immediate work on your case by:

  • Conducting a thorough investigation of how you or your loved one developed ovarian cancer
  • Calculating your damages based on a careful review of all medical records and other evidence
  • Demanding a full and fair settlement of your claim or, if necessary, taking your case to trial.

When a defective product case involves thousands of plaintiffs such as the current litigation surrounding talcum powder-related ovarian cancer, a person may fear that their case will get “lost in the shuffle.” At Lichtenstein Law Group PLC, you won’t have to worry about that happening. We will give you our full attention throughout your case and always focus on your unique interests and goals. To discuss your case, contact us today for a free consultation through our office in Roanoke or Charlottesville.